Murder trial begins for former army recruiter accused of killing ex-wife

SIMPSONVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – The murder trial of a former Army recruiter accused of killing his ex-wife is set to begin Monday.

Authorities said John Blauvelt stabbed Cati Blauvelt to death in October 2016 before fleeing the state with his teenage girlfriend. Cati was found dead in the basement of an abandoned home in Simpsonville.

Blauvelt remained on the run for six years before the U.S. Marshal’s Service captured him in Oregon in July 2022. Shortly after, authorities said he was returned to South Carolina.

Family members said the couple had separated months before the incident after John threatened to kill her.

RELATED: Police arrest woman accused of helping cover up Cati Blauvelt’s murder

“We will never forget her,” said Patricia Piver, Cati’s mother. “Even after all of this, she will never be forgotten. We will always fight for her and we will always fight for what is right and to keep her memory alive.”

John Blauvelt is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m.

MORE NEWS: Shooter identified in second assassination attempt on former President Trump